The sounding of the Shofar (ram's horn) takes place during the observance of
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year). It consists of four distinct notes; Tekiah
(one long blast), shevarim (three short blasts), teruah (nine
staccato blasts) and tekiah gedolah (one very long blast). In ancient
times, the sound of the Shofar announced the New Moon and was also used to
herald important events. The Jewish philosopher, Maimonides, declared it a call
to repentance, as it remains today.